Poland is an inspiring country for film enthusiasts who are determined to advance in their film careers, and it is for many reasons. Firstly, Poland has an ideal location in the center of Europe, which makes it easy for international students to access the European film industry and build their network before graduation. Secondly, Poland is a popular destination for many international film premieres and festivals, such as the Warsaw Film Festival and the Polish Film Festival in Gdynia. Besides, the cultural heritage and diversity inspire numerous young filmmakers, cinematographers, screenwriters, and actors to perform their art in the country.
Studying cinematography in Poland is attractive for many international students due to its lower tuition fees, quality education, rich culture, and diverse study environment.
Read more to find out the top five film schools in Poland for international students.
Top Film Schools in Poland
The film industry is highly competitive, and one of the best ways to lead a successful career in this industry is to study in a world-class film school that will allow students to network and offer them the latest trends and technologies in the field.
Below, we state the top five film schools in Poland and their advantages for international students.
1. The Lodz Film School
- Study Program
- Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D. | Medium of Instruction: Polish
The Lodz Film School is a renowned academy operating since 1948 in the city of Lodz, Poland. Originally, the academy started with two film schools: one for actors and the other for filmmakers. Founded by the Polish actor Leon Schiller, the Lodz Academy has many valuable alumni, including Roman Polanski, Krzysztof Kieślowski, Jerzy Skolimowski, and Andrzej Wajda.
The Lodz Film School has four departments: Film and Television Direction Department, Direction of Photography and Television Production Department, Acting Department, and Film Art Organization Production. The majority of the degree programs are at the master’s level, yet there are some bachelor’s and doctoral programs available for certain departments, such as film and TV production organizations. The average duration of a master’s program is five years at Lodz.
2. Warsaw Film School
- Study Program
- Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s | Medium of Instruction: English
Founded in 2004 by Maciej Slesicki, a Polish filmmaker and screenwriter, Warsaw Film School is located in the capital of Poland and is well respected as the center of the film industry in the country. It hosts various international film festivals each year and has notable alumni nominated for the most prestigious awards in the world, including Dorota Kobiela, an Oscar nominee for her work Loving Vincent, in 2018.
Warsaw Film School encourages international students to take bachelor’s programs in its faculties by offering many English-taught programs in departments such as Film, TV programs and Video Game Directing, cinematography, and post-production. The school provides the necessary equipment with the latest technology in its workshop rooms, studios, and arranged film sets.
3. Adam Mickiewicz University – Film Studies and Media Culture
Adam Mickiewicz University is one of the most acclaimed universities in not only Poland but also the European region. Its Film Studies Department is particularly world-class, ranking at 86 among the world’s best film schools.
Adam Mickiewicz University offers a three-year license program and a two-year master’s program for skilled and ambitious students from all over the world, but the program is held in Polish, meaning foreign students will need to prove their Polish language skills or take an intensive Polish language course before starting the program.
4. Krzysztof Kieślowski Film School
- Study Program
- Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s | Medium of Instruction: English, Polish
Established in 1978, Krzysztof Kieślowski Film School is a public institution offering bachelor’s and master’s programs in cinematography, photography, directing, and film and television production. The name of the film school comes from Krzysztof Kieślowski, a famous Polish director and screenwriter, also one of the first tutors in the academy. The school operates with an affiliation to the University of Silesia.
International students studying at Krzysztof Kieślowski Film School can focus on the following research interests: film and television directing, cinematography, artistic photography, audiovisual law, cinema and film production, and media studies. There are currently two bachelor’s and four master’s programs at the film school.
5. Gdynia Film School
- Study Program
- Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s | Medium of Instruction: Polish
Gdynia Film School is a leading film school located in Gdynia, Poland. Despite being a smaller academy compared to the others in the region, Gdynia is well respected for its hands-on approach and practical education in filmmaking and television. Gdynia Film School was founded in 2010 and started with courses in the Department of Directing; now, there are many courses available, including screenwriting, acting, film editing, sound design, photography, and so on.
International students at Gdynia Film School are required to direct two short films to graduate: a documentary and a feature film. The school has various workshops, lectures, seminars, and other events hosted by experienced filmmakers in the region, and the school operates as a non-profit organization, meaning students do not pay any tuition fee.
FAQs: Film Studies in Poland
Is a Film Degree in Poland Worth Pursuing?
Yes, working in the film industry is worth it for people who believe they have the passion, creativity, and determination to enhance their skills in this sector. The best way to build your career in the film industry is to receive quality education by completing a degree and having solid experience in cinematography through attending various workshops, projects, theaters, and so on.
Students completing a degree in film studies can work as directors, screenwriters, cinematographers, producers, art directors, sound designers, critics, animators, and many more. Depending on the person’s responsibilities, level of experience, type of entertainment company, and the significance of the production, the salary can vary tremendously. For instance, a beginner-level sound designer can earn from $50,000 to $100,000 annually, whereas a director can earn from $60,000 to $250,000, or even millions, depending on the production’s success.
To be successful in the film industry requires passion and ambition, in addition to the necessary skills and knowledge. It is a competitive field in which networking and experience determine the future of one’s career; hence, obtaining a quality education that offers numerous opportunities is one of the fundamental steps to building your path in the film industry.
Studying at a film school in Poland is a one-time chance for international students to pursue their dreams in the industry. If you are planning to study in Poland, read our Study in Poland and Available Programs for International Students in Europe pages for more articles.
